US10820739B2 - French coffee press - Google Patents

Abstract

An improved French coffee press apparatus, system, and method that utilizes a locking ring to engage with a locking base that can be removed from the carafe, along with any coffee grounds. The locking ring is connected to the pressing rod, which also includes a filter system above the locking ring. The pressing rod fits through an opening in the carafe lid, and the carafe lid secures the liquid inside the carafe. The combination of the filtering system assists in the filtering and capture of any coffee grounds into the locking base for cleaning, and the locking ring assists in the removal of the locking base.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention generally relates to the field of a coffee or brewed drink maker. Specifically in its preferred embodiments, the present invention discloses a French coffee press with a removable base.

BACKGROUND

The topic of coffee making is often thought of at the start of the day as a person gets ready with a cup of their favorite blend. There is also a variety of manners in which to make a cup of coffee. The one most quickly thought of by many people would be a trip to Starbucks® or a from a single cup coffee maker like a Keurig™. However, for those who like the experience or the science of coffee making they will often use alternative methods, such as drip brewing or steeping. One method of steeping includes the French press. In a French press, a piston with an attached filter is pushed through the steeping liquid to push the coffee grounds or other brewing material to the bottom of the cylinder in which it was brewed.

One of the major deficiencies of French coffee presses today is the difficulty in cleaning. The traditional French coffee press is a tall, skinny cylinder in which the coffee grounds are pressed down and compacted into the bottom the cylinder. While brushes and water jets can assist in the cleaning process it is still difficult to remove the coffee grounds, in particular if a person is trying to avoid putting them down a sink, disposal, or dishwasher. Because of the difficulties in cleaning, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide an improved French coffee press that is easily cleaned.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention as embodied in an apparatus and method permits a user to brew coffee utilizing a French press, and steeping without the difficulties in cleaning that are commonplace with traditional French coffee presses. Thus, the present invention comprises a carafe, a lid for the carafe, a pressing rod, a filter system, and includes a locking base and a locking ring that is attached to the pressing rod. The locking ring and locking base provide the user with the ability to remove the coffee grounds from the carafe, without major difficulty.

The locking ring and locking base are secured together in a manner that allows the locking base to be removed from the carafe base. Once it is removed, then the locking base and locking ring can easily be separated from each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A provides a perspective view of a Prior Art French press coffee maker.

FIG. 1B provides a perspective view of a Prior Art French press filter system.

FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of an improved French press coffee maker.

FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of an improved French press filter system.

FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of the improved French press filter system in the filtering stage.

FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of the improved French press filter system in the compression stage.

FIG. 3C shows a perspective view of the improved French press filter system in the removal stage.

FIG. 4A shows a side view of the improved French press coffee maker in use in the filtering stage.

FIG. 4B illustrates the beginning of the compression stage of the improved French press coffee maker.

FIG. 5A illustrates the securing stage of the improved French press coffee maker.

FIG. 5B shows a perspective view of the locking base being removed from the carafe of the improved French press coffee maker.

FIG. 6A shows a top view of a first preferred embodiment of the locking base of the improved French press coffee maker.

FIG. 6B shows a top view of a second preferred embodiment of the locking base of the improved French press coffee maker.

FIG. 6C shows a top view of a third preferred embodiment of the locking base of the improved French press coffee maker.

FIG. 7A illustrates a side view of a first preferred embodiment of the locking base, and the locking base lip(s).

FIG. 7B illustrates a side view of a second preferred embodiment of the locking base, and the locking base lip(s).

FIG. 8A illustrates a side view of a first preferred embodiment of the locking ring, and the locking ring lip(s).

FIG. 8B illustrates a side view of a second preferred embodiment of the locking ring, and the locking ring lip(s).

FIG. 9A shows the top view of a first preferred embodiment of the locking ring, and the locking ring lip(s).

FIG. 9B shows the top view of a second preferred embodiment of the locking ring, and the locking ring lip(s).

FIG. 9C shows the top view of a third preferred embodiment of the locking ring, and the locking ring lip(s).

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the improved French press coffee maker.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of the locking base with removable grounds container.

FIG. 12A shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the locking ring lip(s) and the locking base lip(s) in the filtering stage.

FIG. 12B illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the locking ring lip(s) and the locking base lip(s) in the removal stage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

InFIG. 1A a traditional Frenchpress coffee maker100A is presented. For a coffee drinker who is a purest a French press is one of the best ways to brew coffee. The carafe2 is filled with your most delicious blend of ground coffee beans, the hot water, and the grounds are now ready to be filtered away by thefilter system12 after the desired brewing time has been completed. Thefilter system12 is connected to thepressing rod14 through known methods of connection such as one-piece manufacturing, press fit, or threaded connector. In some designs, there is also thepressing rod bulb18 that can be connected to thepressing rod14 by similar methods as thefilter system12. The carafe2 and thecarafe lid16 help to prevent heat from escaping or the freshly brewed coffee from spilling from the inevitable bump. In addition, thecarafe lid16 provides stability to thepress rod14 during operation of the French press coffee maker.

Thecomponents100B of the Frenchpress filter system12 are seen inFIG. 1B. The Frenchpress filter system12 is comprised of theupper retainer ring22 that typically has a spring or other mechanism around the outer edge of theupper retainer ring22 to assist in pressing themesh filter24 to the inner wall of the carafe2. This pressing of themesh filter24 to the inner wall allows there to be some amount of pressure on themesh filter24, and the inner wall of the carafe2, in order to prevent the coffee grounds or other brewing material from slipping around the mesh filter and returning to the filtered liquid. In addition, both theupper retainer ring22 and thelower retainer ring26 are an open design (holes or spokes) and not completely solid in order to allow the coffee or other liquid to flow through themesh filter24. Neither theupper retaining ring22 nor thelower retaining ring26 perform any filtering. Themesh filter24 is placed between theupper retaining ring22 and thelower retaining ring26 to provide it support as it is pushed through the brewing coffee in order to filter the coffee grounds from the liquid brewed coffee.

InFIG. 2A, the improvedFrench coffee press200A can be seen in a perspective view and in a partially pressed state. Starting from the outside, thecarafe202 can be made of any material capable of handling hot or cold liquids, such as glass, or stainless steel. Inside and fit to the bottom of thecarafe202 is alocking base204 designed to capture brewing materials (not shown) at the end of the brewing process and assist in removing them from thecarafe202. The lockingbase204 is made of a heat tolerant material that allows thelocking base204 to be semi-rigid. The lockingbase204 is rigid except for the locking base lip(s)206. The locking base lip(s)206 are flexible enough to allow a locking ring lip(s)210 to pass by and secure alocking ring208 within thelocking base204 and the locking base lip(s)206 for removal of thelocking base204 from thecarafe202.

The locking ring lip(s)210 is the outer edge of thelocking ring208, which is made of a material that provides rigid strength and allows the locking ring lip(s)210 to be flexible. In addition to thelocking ring208, there is also afilter system212 in a preferred embodiment. While typically constructed of metal, thefilter system212 can also be constructed of plastics, glass, or other materials. Thelocking ring208 and thefilter system212 in a preferred embodiment will be in close relation with each other, allowing thefilter system212 to filter brewing materials (not shown) and assist in pushing them into thelocking base204 at the end of the brewing process. When thelocking ring208 and locking ring lip(s)210 engage with thelocking base204 and locking base lip(s)206, a secure latching occurs allowing a user to remove thelocking base204 and captured brewing materials (not shown) from thecarafe202 easily. Thelocking ring208 and the locking ring lip(s)210 can be made of the same or a similar material as thelocking base204 and the locking base lip(s)206. The bottom or a portion of the sides of thelocking base204 can be made of a solid or fine mesh material that would allow liquid to pass but will not allow any brewing material to leave thelocking base204. The mesh or solid material could make up a portion or the entire bottom or wall of thelocking base204. The material of thelocking ring208 and thelocking base204 also allow thelocking ring208 to be removably attached to thelocking base204.

Thefilter system212 and thelocking ring208 are attached to apressing rod214 via a threaded connection or a press fit connection. In one embodiment, thefilter system212 would be attached to a threaded portion of thepressing rod214, and adjacent to that threaded portion would be a second threaded portion of smaller diameter for thelocking ring208 to attach to. However, in alternative embodiments thelocking ring208 could be made of one piece manufacture with thefiltering system212, or be connected to thepressing rod214 through other methods of connection.

InFIG. 2B the improved Frenchpress filter system200B components could be retrofitted to any traditional French press coffee maker along with other pieces of the improvedFrench press200A. One embodiment of the improved Frenchpress filter system200B is comprised of theupper retainer ring222, themesh filter224, thelower retaining ring226, and thelocking ring208. It is noted that there could be a plurality of upper retainer rings, a plurality of mesh filters, and a plurality of lower retaining rings in the improved Frenchpress filter system200B. Theupper retainer ring222 typically has a spring or other mechanism around the outer edge of theupper retainer ring222 to assist in pressing themesh filter224 to the inner wall of thecarafe202. This pressing of themesh filter224 to the inner wall allows there to be some amount of pressure on themesh filter224, and the inner wall of thecarafe202, in order to prevent the coffee grounds or other brewing material from slipping around the mesh filter and returning to the filtered liquid. Themesh filter224 can be comprised of a single or multiple layers of filter material, such as wire mesh or replaceable organic material to provide the majority of the filtering, though other components can aid even if not designed to aid in the filtering process. Themesh filter224 is placed between theupper retaining ring222 and thelower retaining ring226 to provide it support as it is pushed through the brewing coffee in order to filter the coffee grounds from the liquid brewed coffee. Both theupper retainer ring222 and thelower retainer ring226 are an open design (holes or spokes) and not completely solid in order to allow the coffee or other liquid to flow through themesh filter224. Neither theupper retaining ring222 nor thelower retaining ring226 are designed perform any filtering. Likewise, thelocking ring208 can be an open design (spokes) and not completely solid in order to allow the coffee or other liquid to flow unimpeded so that only themesh filter224 performs any filtering. In addition, thelocking ring208 can be connected to or manufactured together with thelower retaining ring226 to form a replaceable piece for traditional French press filter systems. All of these components are connected to thepressing rod214 through a form of connection such as a threading, press fit, or manufactured as one piece.

Returning toFIG. 2A, thepressing rod214 is used to press thefilter system212 and lockingring208 in tandem through the liquid (not shown) being brewed to remove the brewing materials (not shown) from the liquid. Thepressing rod214 in a preferred embodiment is constructed of metal, but in alternative embodiments, can also be constructed of plastic, glass, or other hard material that is capable of withstanding the hot or cold liquid temperatures and the force required to securely mate thelocking ring208 and thelocking base204. Thepressing rod214 passes through thecarafe lid216 at thecarafe lid opening217. Thecarafe lid216 is mated with thecarafe202, through a threaded or press fit connection in preferred embodiments, additionally other methods of securing a liquid within an enclosed volume could also be used. In some embodiments, thecarafe202 or thecarafe lid216 may also have an opening to allow the filtered liquid to be poured from thecarafe202 or thecarafe202 may have a pour spout. Thecarafe lid216 can be made of the same material as thecarafe202 or a different material. In order to allow thecarafe lid216 to be removed from thepressing rod214, there is the securingbulb218, however in other embodiments the securingbulb218 may not be removable from thepressing rod214, as thecarafe lid216 can be removed from the lower end of thepressing rod214 when thefiltering system212 and thelocking ring208 are removed. The securingbulb218 is attached to thepressing rod214 through known methods of attachment such as, but not limited to a threaded or a press fitting manner.

FIG. 3A illustrates thefilter stage300A of the improved French press. During the filtering process, thefilter system312 strains and filters the brewed materials, such as coffee grounds or tea leaves, away from the brewed liquid. Some level ofdownward pressure330 must be applied to thepressing rod314 in order to move the combinedfilter system312 and locking308 through the liquid. As thelocking ring308 gets closer to thelocking base304, the locking ring lip(s)310 begins to mate with the locking base lip(s)306.

InFIG. 3B the compressingstage300B of the improved French press is shown. At the end of thefiltering stage300A, the locking ring lip(s)310 and the locking base lip(s)306 are touching along the desired mating points. In order to move thelocking ring308 through thecompression stage300B there must be a specific amount ofdownward pressure332 placed on thepressing rod314 in an amount to compress the locking base lip(s)306 enough to allow thelocking ring308 and locking ring lip(s)310 to pass into the void of thelocking base304. Once enoughdownward pressure332 is used to move the locking ring lip(s)310 past the compressed locking base lip(s)306 then the locking base lip(s)306 will decompress, thus allowing the decompressed locking ring lip(s)310 to be secured against the locking base lip(s)306 during the removal stage.

FIG. 3C illustrates theremoval stage300C of the improved French press. When the locking ring lip(s) (not shown) are within the void of thelocking base304, and both the locking ring lip(s) (not shown) and the locking base lip(s)306 have decompressed then theremoval stage300C can begin. The locking ring lip(s) (not shown) can be used to pull, when an upward force334 is applied via thepressing rod314, on the underside of the locking base lip(s)306 in order to remove thelocking base304 from the carafe (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, thelocking ring308 will rest within thelocking base304, and thefilter system312 will be resting on top of the locking base lip(s)306, thus providing a way for the majority of the filtered brewing material to be channeled into thelocking base304.

InFIG. 4A theimproved coffee press400A is being used to removebrewing materials401 from the brewedliquid403, in a filter stage similar to that ofFIG. 3A. As pressure is applied to the securingbulb418, and thepressing rod414, which slides through the opening in thecarafe lid416, thefilter system412 and lockingring408 are moved through the brewedliquid403. Thefiltering system412 in some embodiments may be attached to thepressing rod414 at afirst connection point421, and thelocking ring408 is attached at asecond connection point420. The connection points420,421 may be a press fit, or threaded connection point, or alternatively could also be of a single piece manufacturing design. As the brewedliquid403 is separated from thebrewing material401, thebrewing material401 is driven towards the lockingbase404 by thefilter system412. In addition, in some embodiments thelocking ring408 provides some assistance in the driving of the brewed materials towards the lockingbase404 without providing filtering, though alternatively it may also be combined with thefiltering system412 to provide filtering as well.

InFIG. 4B, the compression stage of thelocking ring408 and lockingbase404 of theimproved coffee press400B is shown. As thelocking ring408 approaches thelocking base404, the locking ring lip(s)410 and the locking base lip(s)406 compress against each other. With sufficient pressure applied to thepressing rod414 and securingbulb418, the locking ring lip(s)410 will be compressed inward towards thepressing rod414, and the locking base lip(s)406 will be compressed outward towards the wall(s) of thecarafe402. As thelocking ring408 is pushed through the compressed stage it leads to the secured stage shown inFIG. 5A.

As seen inFIGS. 5A & 5B, the secured stage of theimproved coffee press500A will allow thelocking base504 to be removed from thecarafe502. One of the improvements of theimproved coffee press500A is the collection of thebrewing materials501 in thelocking base504, thus making thebrewing materials501 easier to remove from thecarafe502. With thelocking ring508 being pushed via thepressing rod514 through thecompression stage400B, to the securingstage500A, the locking ring lip(s)510 decompress along with decompressing of the locking base lip(s)506 in order to form a secure connection when a pulling force is applied to thepressing rod514. When a user pulls on thepressing rod514, in order to remove thelocking base504, the locking ring lip(s)510 slips into theopening505 formed between the curved portion of the locking base lip(s)506, and thelocking base504. Thus providing leverage for the removal of thelocking base504 from thecarafe502. In a preferred embodiment illustrated, the locking ring lip(s)510 slips inside theopening505.

During the removal stage of theimproved coffee press500B, the secured connection formed by the locking base lip(s)506, and the locking ring lip(s)510, in theopening505 assist the user in removing thelocking base504 via thepressing rod514. In a preferred embodiment, thefiltering system512 rests on top of or just above the locking base lip(s)506 during theremoval stage500B, thus allowing theuncaptured brewing material501 to be captured between thefiltering system512 and thelocking base504. The result of the capture of thebrewing materials501, is theclean carafe502 seen in the lower portion ofFIG. 5B.

InFIGS. 6A-6C a top view of lockingbase604 and locking base lip(s)606 in a set of advantageous embodiments is shown. InFIG. 6A, a firstpreferred embodiment600A is illustrated that allows the pressing rod (not shown) and the locking ring (not shown) to be shifted to one side to allow the locking ring to be released from the lockingbase604 and the locking base lip(s)606. In a secondpreferred embodiment600B, there are two locking base lip(s)606 shown. In this embodiment the pressing rod (not shown) and the locking ring (not shown) can be shifted to either of the two sides to allow the locking ring to be released from the lockingbase604 and the locking base lip(s)606. In a thirdpreferred embodiment600C, four locking base lip(s)606 are shown. In this embodiment, the locking ring (not shown) can be released from the lockingbase604 by aligning the locking ring lip(s) (not shown) with the lockingbase gaps607. While embodiments have been illustrated that utilize one, two or four lip(s) or wings, other embodiments that include at least one lip(s) or wings are also possible. It could also be understood by someone skilled in the art how the lockingbase604 and locking ring (not shown) connection could be achieved through additional means, such as, a threaded configuration, a press fit configuration, a snapping configuration, or other manners known for making a secure physical connection.

A side view of thelocking base704 and locking base lip(s)706 are seen inFIGS. 7A & 7B. The lockingbase704 is configured to capture brewing material (not shown), such as, coffee grounds, tealeaves, pulp from fruits, or other brewable elements. In a firstpreferred embodiment700A, the locking base lip(s)706 curve downward from the upward wall of thelocking base704. The curve of the locking base lip(s)706 allows for the compression that is created when the locking ring (not shown) is pushed through compression stage to the securing stage, resulting in the locking ring being in the void of thelocking base704. In a secondpreferred embodiment700B, the locking base lip(s)706 are at or below a ninety-degree angle from the wall of thelocking base704.

InFIGS. 8A & 8B, two side views of thelocking ring808 are illustrated. A first preferred embodiment800A, includes locking ring lip(s)810 that are upturned from the plane of thelocking ring808. In order to assist in the capture of brewing materials (not shown) the upturned locking ring lip(s)810 aid in the compression of the locking base lip(s) (not shown) as thelocking ring808 is moved from the compression stage to the securing stage. In a secondpreferred embodiment800B, thelocking ring808 and the locking ring lip(s)810 are in the same plane. This advantageous embodiment works best with the locking base (not shown) with straight or slightly angled locking ring lip(s) (not shown), however it can also be used with the curved locking base lip(s) embodiment as well.

A top view of thelocking ring908 is shown inFIGS. 9A-9C. In a first preferred embodiment900A, thelocking ring908 is configured to closely match with the inner dimensions of the carafe902, though along two opposing edges there is agap911 between the edge or thelocking ring908 and the carafe902 to allow for the locking ring lip(s)910 to compress and become secure against the locking base lip(s) (not shown). In a second preferred embodiment900B, there arelarge gaps911 between the carafe902 and thelocking ring908, on opposing sides. This second preferred embodiment902 also is configured to work with the first and second preferred embodiments of the locking base (not shown). However, it would be understood by someone with skill in the art that multiple embodiments and configurations are possible. In a third preferred embodiment900C, thelocking ring908 is shown with four wings that form the locking ring lip(s)910. The wings extend outward from thepressing rod connection909. While illustrated in this advantageous embodiment with four wings, the improved coffee press is not limited to four wings, there is to be at least one wing and up to as many necessary to provide support in removing the locking base (not shown).

InFIG. 10, an alternative advantageous embodiment of theimproved coffee press1000 is shown. In thisalternative embodiment1000, thelocking ring1008 is comprised of four wings that form the locking ring lip(s)1010. In addition, thelocking base1004 is comprised of four locking base lip(s)1006 that are turned slightly downward, and four locking base lip(s)gaps1007. To start the brewing process thecarafe1002 is filled with brewing material (not shown) and liquid. Once the liquid has been poured into thecarafe1002 the brewing process begins for the proper amount of time. At any time after the brewing process has been started, thepressing rod1014, lockingring1008 andfilter system1012 combination is inserted to thecarafe1002 and attached to thecarafe1002 via thecarafe lid1016. As a pressure is applied to thepressing rod1014, thefilter system1012 and thelocking ring1008 move in tandem further downward into thecarafe1002, removing the brewing material (not shown) from the liquid (not shown). Once thelocking ring1008 has made contact with thelocking base1004, the locking base lip(s)1006 and the locking ring lip(s)1010 are touching. The next step is for the user to increase pressure in order to cause the compression necessary to allow thelocking ring1008 and locking ring lip(s)1010 to move through the locking base lip(s)1006. In addition, a user may also rotate thepressing rod1014 in order to rotate thelocking ring1008 so that it aligns with the locking base lip(s)gaps1007 of thelocking base1004. Once thelocking ring1008 and locking ring lip(s)1010 have moved past the locking base lip(s)1006, and the brewing materials are captured in thelocking base1004, thelocking base1004 and thelocking ring1008 can be secured together.

InFIG. 11, a side view of thelocking base1104 is shown with asupplemental base1140 is shown that can be both removable and/or disposable. Thesupplemental base1140 is designed to give the user a way to decrease the amount of cleaning that would be required for thelocking base1104. As coffee grounds collect in thesupplemental base1140, the grounds then do not collect in the locking base, thus allowing thelocking base1104 to be used multiple times without cleaning if so desired. Thissupplemental base1140 can be made of paper, metal, plastic, or other organic or synthetic materials.

InFIGS. 12A and 12B, an alternative advantageous embodiment of theimproved coffee press1200A and1200B is shown in different stages. The locking base lip(s)1206 in these embodiment are the straight or slightly downturned version, in order to assist the removal of thelocking base1204. In addition, thelocking ring1208 is an oblong oval shape, and a straight plane that is configured to move through, the opening created by the locking base lip(s)1206 when thelocking ring1208 is rotated so that it will move between the locking base lip(s)1206 with ease. The combination of the dual locking base lip(s)1206, and theoblong locking ring1208 allow the user to remove thelocking base1204, by inserting thelocking ring1208 into thelocking base1204 through the gap between the locking base lip(s) or compression and rotating until the locking ring lip(s)1210 are below the locking base lip(s)1206 as shown inFIG. 12B. Thefiltering system1212 is set some distance above thelocking ring1208, on thepressing rod1214 in order to remove the remaining brewing materials (not shown) from the liquid during the removal stage. In a preferred embodiment, thefiltering system1212 rests on top of or just above the locking base lip(s)1206 during the removal stage, thus allowing the brewing material (not shown) to be captured between thefiltering system1212 and thelocking base1204.

The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that numerous variations will be possible to the disclosed embodiments without going outside the scope of the invention as disclosed in the claims.

Claims (14)

I claim:

1. A French press apparatus comprising:

a carafe;

a pressing rod configured to attach to a locking ring;

a filter system, the filter system attached to the pressing rod above the locking ring by a specified distance;

a locking base, the locking base sized to fit inside the carafe with minimal gaps between the locking base and the carafe;

wherein the locking ring is configured to be received within the locking base; and

wherein the pressing rod advances the filter system downward into the carafe and allowing the filter system to come in contact with the locking base keeping brewing materials below the filter system and within the locking base.

2. The French press apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the locking base further comprises at least one locking base lip that is curved.

3. The French press apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the locking base further comprises at least one locking base lip that is straight.

4. The French press apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the locking ring further comprises at least one locking ring lip(s).

5. The French press apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the locking ring is comprised of at least one wing, said wing having a locking lip(s) distal from a center of the locking ring.

6. The French press apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the pressing rod further comprises a first connecting portion at one end.

7. The French press apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the locking base further comprises:

a supplemental base, wherein the supplemental base fits within the locking base.

8. The French press apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the pressing rod further comprises:

a first connecting portion with one end opposing a securing bulb; and

a second connecting portion with one end distal from the first connecting portion, and an opposing end coupled to the first connecting portion.

9. The French press apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the filter system further comprises:

an upper retaining ring;

a filter; and

a lower retaining ring.

10. The French press apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein during advancement of the pressing rod the lower retaining ring and the locking ring approach the locking base, and wherein the locking base has a fine mesh comprising a portion of the locking base.

11. The French press apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising a carafe lid, the carafe lid attaches to the carafe and has an opening for the pressing rod to slide through.

12. A French press filter system comprising:

a lower retaining ring, the lower retaining ring is configured to attach to a pressing rod and support a filter mesh;

an upper retaining ring configured to be attached to the pressing rod above the filter mesh;

a locking ring, the locking ring attaches to the lower retaining ring via a connection rod; and

a locking base, wherein the locking ring and the locking base mate together.

13. The French press filter system ofclaim 12, wherein the locking base further comprises:

a supplemental base, wherein the supplemental base fits within the locking base.

14. The French press filter system ofclaim 12, wherein the filter system further comprises the pressing rod that removably attaches to the lower retaining ring.

Images